Seattle’s public transportation history goes back as early as 1858 when steamboat service ferried passengers from the city to towns located across Lake Union, Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. From there, the city became early adopters of the latest approaches in public transportation. For example, in 1889, Seattle became one of the first U.S. cities to adopt electric streetcars. In 1962, it built the nation’s first, full-scale commercial monorail for the Seattle World’s Fair.
Today, commuters in Seattle are served by several transit agencies in the region including King County Metro and Sound Transit, the two major service providers. With a combined network of transit options that include bus, rail, ferry, van pool and streetcar, it's easy to travel throughout the Puget Sound area without having to drive. What makes it even more convenient is the use of a region-wide smart card which allows you to travel using multiple transit services without having to purchase a new ticket or pass each time--another early transportation innovation.
If you’re planning a trip, find out how to get around.
image by: mtoo, flickr.com